MAS July CME: Practical Insights into Spine Trauma Management

July 2025 Monthly CME Program: A Practical Perspective on Spine Trauma – From Anatomy to Intervention
The Maldives Association of Surgeons (MAS) continues its commitment to fostering professional development and knowledge-sharing through its flagship Monthly Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program. The July 2025 CME session was successfully held with the theme:
A Practical Perspective on Spine Trauma: From Anatomy to Intervention
This month’s program was jointly prepared and delivered by the Neurosurgery Team of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in collaboration with the Neurosurgery Team of ADK Hospital, exemplifying the collaborative spirit among surgical teams across institutions.
The session was attended by a broad audience comprising consultant surgeons, neurosurgeons, surgical registrars, and medical officers, underscoring the relevance of the topic to the entire surgical fraternity.
Program Highlights
Spine trauma remains one of the most challenging and time-critical areas of surgical care, requiring a precise understanding of anatomy, appropriate classification, and timely intervention to minimize morbidity and preserve neurological function. Recognizing the need for a practical and updated approach, this CME was structured to guide participants through the essential aspects of managing spine trauma.

Featured Presentations:
- Spinal Anatomy Essentials for Trauma Management
Dr. Ali Nashwan Naseem provided an excellent refresher on the anatomical landmarks and biomechanical considerations critical in trauma decision-making.
- Classification of Spinal Trauma
Dr. Fathimath Shauna presented commonly used classification systems, emphasizing their role in guiding management and predicting outcomes.
- Initial Assessment and Imaging Protocols
Dr. Aminath Nuhath Nazeer outlined systematic assessment principles and imaging guidelines crucial for accurate diagnosis and safe handling of trauma patients.
- Surgical and Non-Surgical Management
Dr. Ali Aafee discussed current evidence-based approaches, highlighting the decision-making process between conservative and operative strategies.
- Spine Trauma Case Series from IGMH
Dr. Aishath Zaha shared insightful real-world cases from IGMH, demonstrating practical challenges and solutions in local practice.
Pechakucha Presentations:
In the spirit of concise and impactful knowledge-sharing, the program also featured Pechakucha-style talks:
- Facet Syndrome by Dr. Ali Niyaf, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon.
- Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach by Dr. Kiran Niraula, Consultant Neurosurgeon at ADK Hospital, who delivered an engaging guest talk on this minimally invasive technique.
Usefulness of This CME Session
This session provided a timely opportunity for surgeons and trainees to:
- Refresh and deepen their knowledge of spinal anatomy relevant to trauma.
- Gain clarity on classification and imaging to standardize management pathways.
- Discuss evidence-based options for both surgical and conservative treatment.
- Learn from actual local case experiences and outcomes.
- Get introduced to cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic approaches.
Such sessions are particularly important in settings like ours, where trauma remains a significant healthcare burden, and optimal management requires coordinated multidisciplinary efforts.

MAS Monthly CME: Building Capacity, Together
The MAS Monthly CME Program has become a cornerstone of the association’s mission to promote continuous professional development, collaborative learning, and the advancement of surgical care in the Maldives.
Each month, the program
Brings together teams from different specialties and institutions.
Encourages knowledge exchange and the dissemination of best practices.
Offers a platform to highlight local expertise and innovation.
Contributes to building a culture of lifelong learning among surgeons at all levels.
Through these regular academic activities, MAS continues to support its members in staying abreast of evolving medical knowledge, ensuring that patients across the country benefit from high-quality, up-to-date surgical care.

We thank the Department of Neurosurgery at IGMH and the Neurosurgery team at ADK Hospital for their excellent preparation and contribution to this month’s session. We also extend our appreciation to all participants for their active engagement.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming CME programs and other MAS initiatives on our website/news page and social media platforms.


